5 easy tips to peak present on-screen

Whether it’s via Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams, virtual business meetings and chats are now a major communication platform.

While many have adjusted to being online with ease, others can struggle. Here are five tips to make sure you put your best face forward.

1. Set up

Give yourself at least a five to ten minute pre-check window to prepare and set up before your meeting. This is so important! You need to be comfortable, so adjust the room temperature if needed and make sure you have some water handy if there’s a lengthy conversation on its way. Most platforms allow for a preview screening, so you can quickly check your personal attire and look before you join.

2. Background

Simple or blurred backgrounds are best. Avoid anything too busy or anything that will cause a distraction. For people working from home, online backgrounds give others a sneak peek into your private space, so make sure there’s nothing in the room, on walls, or bookshelves that you wouldn’t want them to see. Choose wisely if using an image background on your screen – bright and flaring images of the cosmos or old holiday pics can be very distracting too.

3. Screen angle

Get this right from the get-go. Your desktop or laptop screen should be at eye level. We all know what it looks like when someone seems to be peering over or down into their camera. The double-chin-tilted-head look is not the most flattering of angles. If you need to raise your laptop screen just place it on top of a thick book or ream of paper.

4. Lighting

Ideally, you need to be facing into natural light where possible. If this isn’t doable, get a desk lamp or light stand and strategically position behind your screen so that the light shines in your direction. There are some great lighting products used by video-bloggers, however a humble lamp can easily do the trick. If you are heading into a late afternoon or early evening session think ahead and make sure you have sufficient lighting for when the sun goes down. Turn an overhead light on if needed! It can be quite amusing watching natural light fade from someone’s home office space, leaving them sitting in the dark.

5. Relax

Your level of presence and demeanour matters – and will be noticed. If you’ve had an extremely busy or stressful time in the lead up to an online meeting, take a few moments (in your set up time), along with a few deep breaths, to get centred and focused. Take another few moments to gather your thoughts and key messages together. Most importantly, set a positive intention for a worthwhile engagement opportunity with your fellow online attendees. 

For more practical tips to present like a pro, Peak Presenting offers presentation skills training for individuals and groups.